Heating rod and hair curler tube for mounting thereon



March 16, 1965 E. E. PAULDINE 3,173,429

HEATING ROD AND HAIR CURLER TUBE FOR MOUNTING THEREON Filed Oct 16, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 [WM 70x9. EUGENE E. PAULDINE March 16, 1965 E. E. PAULDINE 3,173,429

HEATING ROD AND HAIR CURLER TUBE FOR MOUNTING THEREON Filed Oct. 16, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F|G.9 FIG. IO

FIG. H

United States Patent 3,173,429 HEATING R01) AND HAHR CURLER TUBE FOR MOUNTING THEREGN Eugene E. Pauldine, 12 Main St, Cortland, NY. Filed Get. 16, 1962, Ser. No. 230,827 14 Claims. (Cl. 132-33) This is a continuation-impart of my applications Serial Number 177,320, filed March 5, 1962, now abandoned and Serial Number 199,344, filed June 1, 1962, now Patent No. 3,135,269.

This invention relates to novel cosmetic devices for producing enlarged curls and waves in hair, and especially to devices of the kind which are capable of producing curls and waves of different sizes and which comprise means for readily effecting alterations therein by the use of replaceable, differently sized curler units.

Heretofore it has been common practice in the art of arranging and styling hair to separate the hair on the subjects head into locks, moistening each one and winding them on separate rollers of selected size. The locks remained in this conditions until dried, either under ordinary atmospheric conditions or hastened by the use of artificially heated driers. The time required to carry out such methods is undesirably long and is inconvenient. Rolling and securing the separate locks of hair on the many rollers for drying is a meticulous operation involving some inconvenience and often requiring the services of a skilled operator. The storage of the large number of varied sized curlers was also an inconvenience. Resultantly the need has long been recognized for devices which will simplify the operation of styling hair where varied sized curlers are to be employed.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide improved devices which will facilitate the process of creating enlarged and varied sizes of curls, rolls and waves in hair.

Another object is to provide devices for the aforesaid purposes which comprise a small number of parts.

A further object is to provide devices of the kind described which will shorten the time for carrying out such processes.

Another object is to provide devices which may be easily operated by the person whose hair is being styled, and which may be used Without undue discomfort to such person.

Another object is to provide novel means for rapidly mounting different sized interchangeable tubes or curlers on a heat emitting rod, and for positively retaining such curlers thereon without relative angular or endwise displacement while the operation of winding and curling the hair on the tube is being carried out.

Still other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of devices illustrating the best manner presently contemplated of practicing the invention.

The following description of the invention is made with reference to the drawings in which like numerals designate like parts, in which FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an assembled device made in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a partial side elevational and partial cross sectional view of a curler tube illustrating one means of preventing axial displacement of the heat emitting element and the curler tube with respect to each other, and means for providing longitudinally disposed heat transmitting means between the rod and tube,

FIG. 3 is a partial view in perspective of a curler tube which is adapted for use with the modification shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a partial view in perspective taken from the far end of a curler tube of a modified curler tube suitable for use with the modification shown in FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross sectional view taken through a heat transmitting unit of a modification of the heat transmitting device illustrated in FIG. 2,

FIG. 6 is an elevational end view of the far end of a curler tube illustrating an end locking device,

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of an assembled device, such as that shown in FIG. 1 which illustrates another form of the means for demountably securing the heat emitting rod and curler tube together and for providing longitudinally disposed heat transmitting elements be tween the rod and tube, the view being taken from the far end of the device,

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the far end portion of a modified form of tube similar to that of FIG. 7 which is provided with lengthwise contouring forming within the tube a seat for the rod, and thickened portions of the tube for providing heat storage and lengthwise corrugations on the outside of the tube impressing the hair for avoiding slippage of the hair during winding,

FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the far end of another modification of a curler tube similar to that of FIGS. 7 and 8,

FIG. 10 is an end elevational-view of the far end of a curler tube mounted on the heat emitting element, illustrating still another modification of the means of attachment longitudinally located within the tube and extending therethrough, similar to the receptacles of FIGS. 7 to 9,

FIG. ll is an end elevational view of the far end of still another form of internally mounted longitudinally disposed receptacle, and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the curler tube shown in FIG. 8 illustrating in detail the heat transmitting converging septums arranged to form an internal yoke or receptacle for mounting the heat emitting rod within the tube and a restriction in the receptacle at the far end having incorporated therein incisored means for securing the tube and rod together.

In general the devices made in accordance with the present invention comprise an elongated heat emitting element or rod, such as a cylindrical heated rod having an end portion which is tapered, conical or otherwise cut away for providing one member of the means for preventing relative endwise and angular displacement of the rod and curler tube with respect to each other. The other member for preventing such displacement of each of the curler tubes is a receptacle for mounting the heat emitting rod within the tube. The receptacles are provided within the several enlarged curler tubes of selected peripheral sizes and shapes, such as those having circular, ovoid or eliptical transverse cross sections. The receptacles are constructed to demountably secure the tubes to the heat emitting rod, one at a time, and they comprise means for preventing relative displacement of the rod and tube, and heat transfer means disposed longitudinally along the rod and tube for aiding the distribution of heat about the tube. The heat emitting rod may desirably, but not necessarily be heated by an electrically energized heating element within the tube. he curler tubes of selected sizes are the structures around which the locks of hair are rolled and heated. A mandible is mounted to bear on the outer surface of the tube for retaining the ends of the locks while they are being wound on the tube and over the mandible.

A mandible support and handle may be attached to an extension of the heated rod so that they will not become angularly or lineally displaced on the rod, or in respect to each other. Such an arrangement is well known to the art of electrically heated curling irons. The mandible and its support may desirably comprise spring means for manipulating the mandible and impressing it upon the outer surface of the enlarged curler tube, and suitable means for this purpose are known to the prior art.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 the modifications of the invention shown therein comprise the heat emitting rod 1 which is cut away or formed at the outer end to provide a non-cylindrical end portion 24 which is inserted and lodged in an end member 25 having a non-circular opening 26. Instead of being attached to the end of the tube 8, the member 25 may be attached within the tube at the far end thereof. T he end portion 24 is inserted into the opening 26 upon mounting the tube 8 on the rod 1 for preventing relative endwise and angular displacement of the tube and rod. The end member 25 is appropriately formed to provide a key and abutting member, being formed with a flattened part and a shoulder which abuts against the inner surface of the member 25. A ring or pin 27 may be lodged in a bore hole in the projecting part 24 of the rod l to prevent withdrawal of the rod. FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 show arrangements for axially disposing the rod 1 within the tube 3, and FIGS. 4 and 6 show arrangements wherein the rod l is eccentrically mounted within the tube with the axis thereof parallel to that of the tube and in contact with the inner surface of the tube. Heat transfer elements 13 are mounted within the tube and along the rod for contacting both parts, and have openings or recesses permitting the rod to be inserted endwise therethrough, both when the rod is axially and eccentrically mounted. The members 13 transfer heat from the rod to the walls of the tube and aid in equalizing the heat in and about the tube. Instead of the perforated disc 25, one or more transversely disposed wires ZSa may be attached at the near end of the tube to engage and abut the non-cylindrical or locking end portion 24 of the rod 1, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The side of bar, rod or wire 25:; which makes contact with the non-cylindrical end portion 24 of the heat emitting rod 1 may be provided with one or more narrow incisored edge portions disposed to engage and bite into the end portion of the rod similar to the narrow biting receptacles described in greater detail hereinbelow. This devices retains the heat emitting rod and curler tube in alignment with each other. For such purpose a small amount of resiliency is needed in the engaged parts.

Referring now to H63. 7 to 12, other modifications of receptacles internally mounted within the curler tube comprise a septum extending lengthwise of the tube which is preferably continuous. The septum structure is mounted on the inner surface of the tube 8 and entirely within the same. It comprises means for mounting the heat emitting rod in heat transmitting juxtaposition with the wall of the curler tube, and means for aiding the equalization of heat throughout the tube. At the far end of the receptacle means cooperate with the specially formed far end of tube 1 for providing an anchoring or locking device which positively retains the curler tube from are arcuate or endwise displacement. Preferably the longitudinal septums are relatively still and resilient. The far end of the rod 1 is preferably conical as indicated by the conical end Bil of rod l in FIG. 1, but other tapered forms may be employed to cooperate with the incisored end of the receptacle.

Receptacles of the latter modifications comprise one or more septums 31 (FIGS. 7 to 12) which extend longitudinally within the tube 8 and are attached to the inner wall of the tube. FIG. 9 illustrates a form comprising a single septum which is 3-shaped. The septum is formed integral with or attached to the inner wall of the tube 8 by suitable means, such as the weld 32, or by means of rivets. By extrusion means the tube and septum may be integrally formed when composed of a suitable metal, such as aluminum. FIG. 11 illustrates a similar structure comprising two es-shaped septums FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 12 illustrate internal receptacles comprising longitudinally disposed septums 31 extending along the tubes. The septums are directed at an angle to each other and provide two longitudinal lines of contact spaced from the inner surface of the tube and along the rod 1. The rod is tapered at its outer end 31 as shown in FIG. 1. The outer ends of the septums 31 have narrow in-turned incisored portions 33 which bite into the tapered end of the rod, serving to retain the rod and tube from endwise and angular displacement when in use. The upstruck incisored edges are located in the constricted opening formed by bending the septum or septums inwardly at their far ends. Such an inward bending or crimping at the end of the septum causes the end surface of the septum to incline inwardly toward the body of the tube and form a narrow biting edge or point which resists the withdrawal of the rod and the turning thereof when the tapered end of the rod is forceably inserted and wedged between the inner surface of the tube and the up-struck members. When the rod l is entered in the near end of the receptacle and the far end is forceably pressed into the constriction, the incisored edges bite into the tapered end of the rod sufficiently to prevent relative angular and lineal displacement of the rod and tube, but not sufficient to prevent a forceable removal of the tube without the application of undue force.

The narrow biting portions 33 of incisors at the far ends of the septums and the constricted passage therebetween are illustrated in FIG. 12. The alteration of the receptacle at the end leaves the intermediate and near portions of the receptacle unchanged and in condition to provide a sliding fit for the rod ll. Instead of a relatively long incisored edge shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, effective incisors are produced by applying the bending force in narrower areas or points, thereby forming narrow bent-in teeth as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10. The tube shown in FiG. 6 may be adapted for mounting a tapered rod by bending the bar 25a inwardly at the outer edge or outwardly at the inner edge when a. narrow bar is used as the anchoring means, thus restricting the passage for the cut-away or tapered end of the rod in the manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 12, or dentals, such as those shown in PEG. 7 which engage the cut-away end portion of the rod.

Improvements in the operation of the curler tubes are effected by providing a groove 35 (FlGS. 8, 9 and 12) within the tube and lengthwise thereof for seating the rod 1 therein. This provides additional contact along the heated rod and improves the heat transfer from the heat emitting rod to the curler tube. A heat reservoir is desirable and may be provided by thickening the wall sections 36 (FIGS. 8, 9 and 12) lengthwise within the tube along the sides of the line of contact between the rod 1 and tube 3. This thickening provides reserve heating capacity when the lock of hair is first wound on the tube. By providing external shallow grooves or striations (FIGS. 8 and 12) lengthwise on the outside of the tube in the area compressedby the mandible 7, slippage of the hair while being wound on the mandible is avoided with a minimum of pressure applied to the mandible.

The mandible 7 is disposed to press down longitudinally on the outer surface of the curler tube 8, preferably along the opposite side of the wall 8 which is contacted by the rod ll. The spring 11 is biased against the depressor T0 to urge the same upwardly thereby to press the mandible on the tube. It is desirable to have a minimum of pressure on the lock of hair which is sufficient to avoid siipping. A reinforcing groove 7a is desirably provided along the mandible for stiffening the same which aids in uniformly compressing the mandible along the tube.

Assembly of the tube on the rod comprises inserting the rod endwise into the space in the receptacle or yoke which is formed by an S-shaped, or the pair of converging septums 3%, or openings in the webs or discs 13. A sliding lit is desirable to provide satisfactory heat transfer. Accordingly the lines of contact along the rod and septums which are terminated at the far end of the tube are on opposite sides of a plane passing through the axes of the rod 1 and tube 8. The septums 31 may be provided with rounded surfaces on the sides which contact the rods, thereby conforming more or less to the contour of the rod, as illustrated in FIGS. and 11. Such contouring may also be provided as the inner contacting surface of the tube (FIGS. 8, 9 and 12) in which case it is evident that metal may be added enveloping the rod and constituting an effective heat transfer device resembling that of FIG. 5. The plain surfaced septums shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 12 give good results and provide yoke members having desirable resiliency, together with means for transferring additional heat from the remote sides from the tube for aiding in equalizing the heating of the curler tube.

The partitions or septums 31 which extend along the inner surface of the tube and form the internal yoke are desirable discontinued at their inner edges forming a slot and permitting slightly added resiliency to the gripping end of the septum. The slot may be located in a radial or in a non-radial position, but is preferably located radially. It is evident that the septums constituting the yoke may not be materially longer than the length of the curler tubes, and they may not be shortened sufficient to provide faulty support and heat conduction. Preferably the receptacle and curler tube are nearly or exactly of the same length.

In operation a lock of hair to be curled is grasped at its end between the mandible and the heated mounted tube of selected size. The lock is then rolled on the tube and over the mandible. Commonly the hair will have been moistened. After rolling the hair on the tube it is retained there until the curl is sutficiently set, say about seconds. Then the curled hair is released from the roller. Where a different sized curl is desired on another part of the head, the tube is removed from the rod without cooling and replaced by a tube of the desired size.

The devices of the present invention provide means for producing a great variety of hair styling effects by employing a single relatively costly heat emitting element and a plurality of relatively low cost suitably fitted demountable curler tubes of different cross sectional diameters. The curler tubes have continuous unbroken outer surfaces which are free from humps, gaps or other discontinuities which mar the appearance of curls. Among other advantages the means herein provided for mounting the various sized curler tubes on the heat emitting rod permit the operator to interchange the tubes of different sizes or contour rapidly and with ease, thereby conserving the hair stylists time as well as that of his client. The heat distributing and equalizing means provide for uniform drying of the curl which results in uniformity of the curling and in improved longevity thereof.

From the foregoing description it will be recognized that this invention is susceptible of still other variations without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is therefore to be understood that the claims are not to be construed as being restricted to the specific illustrations herein set forth, except insofar as they are specifically limited by their terms.

I claim:

1. In a hair curling device having an elongated heat emitting rod and an enlarged heat conductive curler tube demountably secured to said rod with the axes of said tube and rod in parallelism; means for demountably securing said tube to the rod comprising a contoured portion of the rod at its far end, said portion having a non-cylindrical transverse cross section and providing one member of the securing means; a receptacle having a non-cylindrical port at its far end comprising heat transmitting means longitudianlly disposed along and within said tube, said means being in contact with heat emitting portions of the rod; and means in the far end of the receptacle for engaging said far end of the rod for demountably retaining the rod and tube from relative angular and linear displacement, said heat emitting rod being disposed in heat transmitting juxtaposition to said tube.

2. In a hair curling device having an elongated heat emitting rod and an enlarged heat conductive curler tube demountably secured to said rod with the axes of said tube and rod in parallelism; means for demountably securing said tube to the rod comprising a contoured portion of the rod at its far end, said portion having a noncylindrical transverse cross section and providing one member of the securing means; a receptacle having a noncylindrical port at its far end comprising heat transmitting means longitudinally disposed along and within said tube, said means being in contact with heat emitting portions of the rod; and means in the far end of the receptacle for engaging said far end of the rod for demountably retaining the rod and tube from relative angular and linear displacement, said rod being disposed in heat transmitting juxtaposition to the tube and said heat transmitting means comprising an element disposed entirely within and in parallelism with said axis of said tube.

3. In a hair curling device having an elongated heat transmiting rod and an enlarged heat conductive curler tube secured to said rod with the axes of said rod and tube in parallelism; means for demountably securing said tube to said rod in heat transmitting juxtaposition thereto comprising a receptacle including a septum mounted entirely within said tube and extending longitudinally thereof in parallelism with the axis of the tube, said receptacle being disposed to provide a sliding fit with said heat transmitting rod and having a restricted opening at the far end thereof, incisored portions in the far end of said septum extending into said restricted opening for providing one member of a means for demountably retaining the rod and tube from relative linear and angular displacement, and a tapered portion at the far end of the rod disposed to engage said incisored portions comprising another member of said retaining means.

4. A hair curling device in accordance with claim 3 in which the end portion of the rod is conical.

5. A hair curling device in accordance with claim 3 in which the receptacle comprises a pair of septums secured to and along the inner surface of the tube, said septums being disposed to engage the rod longitudinally along lines spaced from the inner wall of the tube and hold the rod in heat transmitting juxtaposition with the tube.

6. A hair curling device in accordance with claim 3 in which the receptacle comprises means for distributing and equalizing the heat in and about the tube, said means comprising a heat transmitting element contacting the rod and the inner surface of the tube.

7. A hair curling device in accordance with claim 3 which comprises an inner wall portion within the receptacle having a longitudinally disposed groove for seating the rod therealong.

8. A hair curling device in accordance with claim 3 which comprises thickened portions of the tube wall disposed contiguous to and along the rod.

9. A hair curling device in accordance with claim 3 in which the receptacle comprises a pair of septums extending longitudinally along the inner wall of the tube and which are disposed at an angle to each other for confining the rod in sliding engagement therewithin, said septums being bent inwardly at their far ends to form said restricted openings; an inner wall portion within the receptacle having a longitudinally disposed groove for seating the rod therealong; and thickened portions in the tube wall disposed along the margins of the groove.

10. A curler tube of heat conductive material comprising a receptacle therewithin for retaining therein a rod having a rounded end, said receptacle being afiixed to the inside wall of the tube and comprising a septum disposed to contact lengthwise along said and to retain the rod in sliding engagement therein and in heat transmitting juxtaposition to the tube; said septum being con- '7 stricted at its far end and incisored parts in the end of the septum for providing one member of a means for demountably securing the tube and rod from relative linear and angular displacement when said rounded end of the rod is disposed in the receptacle and forcibly entered in the constriction.

11. A curler tube in accordance with claim 10 in which the receptacle comprises a pair of septums.

12. A curler tube in accordance with claim 10 which has a groove in its wall opening therewithin for seating 21 heat emitting rod therewithin.

13. A curler tube in accordance with claim 10 which has a groove in its wall which is within said receptacle and opens therewithin for seating a heat emitting rod 8 along the tube; and thickened Walls along the margins of the grooves for aiding heat distribution about the tube. 14. A curler tube in accordance with claim 10 in which the outer surface is grooved lengthwise in a restricted area to provide a gripping surface.

Reierences Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/34 Tansey 132-3l 6/64 Pauldine 132-33 FOREIGN PATENTS 362,394 10/22 Germany.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner. 

10. A CURLER TUBE OF HEAT CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL COMPRISING A RECEPTACLE THEREWITHIN FOR RETAINING THEREIN A ROD HAVING A ROUNDED END, SAID RECEPTACLE BEING AFFIXED TO THE INSIDE WALL OF THE TUBE AND COMPRISING A SEPTUM DISPOSED TO CONTACT LENGTHWISE ALONG SAID AND TO RETAIN THE ROD IN SLIDING ENGAGEMENT THEREIN AND IN HEAT TRANSMITTING JUXTAPOSITION TO THE TUBE; SAID SEPTUM BEING CONSTRICTED AT ITS FAR END AND INCISORED PARTS IN THE END OF THE SEPTUM FOR PROVIDING ONE MEMBER OF A MEANS FOR DEMOUNTABLY SECURING THE TUBE AND ROD FROM RELATIVE LINEAR AND ANGULAR DISPLACEMENT WHEN SAID ROUNDED END OF THE ROD IS DISPOSED IN THE RECEPTACLE AND FORCIBILY ENTERED IN THE CONSTRICTION. 